Even the most practiced writer should never edit their own work.

The short, plain-language definition of editing is making little adjustments to ensure that the book is the most readable, educational and entertaining version of what the author meant. At the very least, an editor can help identify and reduce problems with spelling and punctuation. But an editor should do much more.

First, though, what I mean by ‘your editor’—this does not have to be someone who makes their living editing others’ writing. If you’re self-publishing your first book, you should consider that kind of editor. But for day-to-day use, on your blog, website and marketing materials, you can get by with less expense and expertise.

(Wait a minute; did he just say you should have someone edit your blog?)

I sure did.

Okay, maybe you’re a fairly experienced writer, you have strong evidence of your spelling, grammar and punctuation skills, and people already compliment you on your writing style and voice. If you could prove those facts to a disinterested third party, you can forget having an editor for your blog. (On the other hand, I meet all that criteria, and I still have my wife, who is a professional administrative assistant and published author, read my most important posts with an editor’s eye.)

Two things an editor can do which will be almost impossible for you to do yourself:

1. We all suffer from ‘the curse of knowledge’. When you know exactly what you’re talking about it’s easy to leave out critical details which are so obvious to you they weren’t worth mentioning—except, they’re not obvious to your readers, and your editor will know that. They’ll point out that this sentence or paragraph or chapter makes no sense whatsoever without certain critical background information. You’ll fix it, and look smarter (which, if you have an editor, you are.)
2. We all have favorite phrases and aphorisms we love, and overuse. An editor will point out that you’ve said “on the whole, . . . ” eleven times in this chapter, twice in the last paragraph, and suggest other wording. We tend to fall in love with our words, especially those we find most comfortable or witty or whatever, and unconsciously turn a blind eye to their abuse. An editor will call you on it, and your writing will sound more real, fresher, as a result.

The more you fear having an editor analyse your writing, the more likely it is you need one. If you go for an informal free editor, don’t choose someone from your inner circle of friends unless you have good evidence that they’ve got the skills and will tell you the truth—which you must be willing to believe. Sometimes, it’s just better to find a kind stranger or someone just far enough outside your circle to say what needs to be said without too many emotions attached.

Oh; a final though on the concept of editing: its purpose is not primarily mechanical: removing spelling errors, correcting grammar, stuff like that. There are times when your writing voice includes sentence structure that’s unusual—or just plain wrong. But that may be exactly what you mean. Don’t let an editor homogenize you too much.

In the end, the author should have the last word (the end being exactly where the last word belongs, I guess.)

Tomorrow: Episode 4—Take a Stand. Speak Your Piece.